As we gradually move closer to Christmas, we can really start to see a shift in the weather. With this, those who are more vulnerable, such as many of our service users, will be more affected by the weather changes. This could be because the weather stops them from being able to go outside as often or due to the winter bugs that are common during this time. We wanted to give you some advice to help you, your service users or your loved ones maintain their health.

Keep moving

If your service user or loved one is usually quite mobile, don’t let the weather discourage them. Try to make sure that they are still moving about even when in doors, even if they are only standing up at least once every hour. We understand that as people get older, mobility is different for everyone, so only try to manage what you can.

Food and drink

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is a positive at any time of year, but if you are more susceptible to illnesses, especially during winter, this is incredibly important to help you boost your immune system. Even frozen or tinned vegetables can have great benefits for your health. Its also important to stock up on food in case you or your service user become ill or can’t get to the shops because of bad weather.

Also, with winter being an extremely cold time of year, warm foods and drink are best. Soups and strews for food as well as hot tea for your drink can help you keep warm during this time. Even if you can’t have hot food all the time, having at least one hot meal and as many hot drinks as possible can make a difference.

Vaccinations

Respiratory viruses such as flu and coronavirus are more widespread during this time and therefore it is important to keep on top of your vaccinations.

You are entitled to a free flu jab if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Aged 65 or over
• Are a carer
• Have a serious, long-term health condition
• You are in long-stay residential care

If you are eligible for the flu jab, you may also be eligible for the COVID-19 booster, shingles vaccine and pneumonia vaccine. Please check with your pharmacist and doctor to make sure.

Stop the spread of winter germs

On top of vaccinations, there are also several measures that you can take to reduce the spread of illness. Catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue can helps stop the spread as well as washing your hands regularly. As carers we understand that this may be difficult when on the go so hand sanitiser would be a good alternative. When visiting a service users’ home, if possible, keep a window open for ventilation or wear a face covering while indoors over your mouth and nose to prevention the spread of germs.

Keeping warm indoors

It’s important to not just ensure that your house in warm but focus more on yourself. If possible, try to maintain a steady and comfortable temperature throughout the day. If there are rooms that you use more during the day than others, try and ensure those are warmest. Typically, 18°C is the ideal comfortable temperature.

For rooms you don’t use, turn off the radiators in those rooms and leave the doors closed. This ensures that you are saving on your energy bills while staying warm.

When it gets darker, close all your windows and shut your curtains to block out any drafts while keeping heat within your home. You should also make sure all doors within your home are closed to stop heat from escaping the room you’re in.

If you have any rooms with laminate or wood flooring, you may want to consider putting down carpet or rugs as they will help insulate your home better. Hot water bottles are also a great way to help keep warm, especially as they are cheap to buy and use.

At night it tends to get even colder, and the cold temperatures can disrupt your sleep. This can be resolved by wearing warm nightwear as well as thick socks.

Keeping warm outdoors

If you are elderly and are needing to go outside staying warm is important. This can be achieved by making sure that you are wrapping up well using jumpers, scarves, hats and even blankets. Even by wearing several thin layers of clothing will keep you warmer than wearing one tick layer, this is because the layers trap warm air between them.